The Best Switch Games on Retro

The Nintendo Switch offers gamers the best of both worlds: the ability to play at home or on the go, plus access to classic and modern titles from Nintendo and other renowned game developers. With a wide selection of independent games available, Switch owners can relive their nostalgia with beloved retro titles.

The Games Radar + team has compiled a list of the top rated Switch games, offering something for everyone. From exclusive titles to indie gems, these essential picks are must-haves for any Nintendo Switch owner.

Want to get the most out of your Nintendo Switch? Check out our list of upcoming games for the console, so you can plan ahead and add them to your wish list. Plus, if you’re considering buying a Nintendo OLED Switch, we’ve got great bundle deals available.

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Mario Bros. I, II and III

The creators of Super Mario Bros. 2 were motivated by the idea that American players lacked the skills to play the original game. To make it more accessible, they replaced iconic characters like Goombas and Hammer brothers with a giant croaking frog, and moved the setting away from the Mushroom Kingdom. The result was a game designed to be easier for American players to enjoy.

Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros. 2 was released in Japan with a level of challenge that proved too difficult for the rest of the world. Featuring Goombas, Hammer Brothers and King Koopa, the game was deemed too hard for international audiences and never made it outside of Japan.

Super Mario World I and II (Island of Yoshi)

Yoshi and his clan embark on a mission to save Baby Luigi from Baby Bowser and Kamek in the prequel to Super Mario World, Yoshi’s Island. The 2D platformer for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System features unique mechanics such as using Yoshi’s tongue and eggs to overcome obstacles, rather than traditional Mario platform game elements like jumping and combat.

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island may not have been as successful financially as its predecessor, but its unique style and overwhelmingly positive reception have led to a new series of platform games in the Yoshi franchise - the fourth entry overall.

Donkey Kong Country I, II and II

The 1995 sequel to Rare’s smash hit Donkey Kong Country, DKC2: Diddy’s Kong Quest, was a resounding success. Featuring the titular Diddy Kong and his companion Dixie, the game met and often exceeded the high standards set by its predecessor.

Diddy and Dixie embarked on a mission to save Donkey Kong from the villainous Kaptain K. Rool, facing off against a variety of foes, both old and new. Players will be tested with tricky gameplay and intricate level design, as well as bonus stages offering coins as rewards and hidden Easter eggs.

F-Zero

Futuristic racing games have been around since 1985, when Nintendo released Mach Rider on the NES. Since then, Powerdrome and Atari STUN Runner arcade have followed suit. F-Zero is just the latest in a long line of visually impressive titles that make up this subgenre.

Kazunobu Shimizu, game director of F-Zero, predicted that the use of Mode 7 in the Super Famicom launch title would shock everyone - and he was right. Released alongside Super Mario World on November 21, 1990 in Japan, F-Zero’s impact is undeniable.

Kid Icarus

In less than a year, Nintendo’s iconic characters Mario and Link have graced the 3DS with original titles like Super Mario 3D Land and remakes like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D. Now, Nintendo is introducing something entirely new to its handheld system: Kid Icarus Rebellion.

Kid Icarus Uprising is a great game with plenty of action, stunning visuals and music, humorous dialogue and solid gameplay. However, it’s marred by clunky controls, repetitive levels, characters that talk too much and action that can be overwhelming on the 3DS’ small screen.

grades

Konami’s 1985 arcade game Gradius revolutionized side-scrolling gameplay with its emphasis on strategy. When it was ported to the NES, it quickly became one of the most popular space shooters on the platform. Now, decades later, the original game has been released for mobile devices, preserving its classic level designs and spirit.

Gradius is a classic shooter game where players must battle through robotic and organic enemies to reach the alien mothership. Memorizing levels is key to success, as much as skill.

Kirby’s Adventure

Kirby’s Adventure, released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1993, is widely considered one of the best games ever made for the 8-bit console. After nearly eight years on the market, new releases for the NES were becoming increasingly rare when Kirby’s Adventure arrived, making it a standout title among its peers.

The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was a revolutionary console that, despite its age, still managed to produce some of the best games of its time. Kirby’s Adventure was one such title, taking full advantage of the NES’ capabilities and standing out as one of the system’s greatest successes.

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is a must-have for Nintendo Switch owners, offering an expansive collection of retro-style platformers. The new Specter of Torment expansion adds even more depth to the beloved series, making it well worth revisiting for fans and newcomers alike. Our original Shovel Knight review praised the game’s classic look and sound, so don’t miss out on this gem.

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is a testament to what independent studios can achieve in a short time. The original game is an impressive 2D action platformer, featuring tight controls, an array of tools and an engaging narrative.

Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon

Bloodstained: Curse Of The Moon may not look like much, but it’s a hidden gem that pays homage to classic video games.

Koji Igarashi’s 2015 Kickstarter project for Bloodstained was a smashing success, surpassing its goals and leading to the creation of Curse Of The Moon.

The original Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past set a standard for adventure games that has been followed ever since. Its design formula, which balances exploration, item acquisition and storyline progression, has been replicated in all subsequent Zelda titles such as Twilight Princess, Wind Waker and Ocarina of Time. A Link to the Past is the only true Zelda game and its influence continues to be felt today.

The original Legend of Zelda, released in July 1987, was the first game to bring Shigeru Miyamoto’s vision of a vast and expansive world to life. Players were able to explore Hyrule with no restrictions, aided by a physical map included with each cartridge.

Final note

Love retro gaming? Check out our list of the best Switch games for a blast from the past. Share with friends and let us know if you have any questions.